These troops likely are public relations pawns being placed by Democrats to show how conveniently tough they can be

Obama’s border call: A flaccid response

Thursday, May 27, 2010
Tribune Live Opinion

President Barack Obama never seemed to be able to answer the pragmatic call for tougher border security. Until it became a political necessity, that is.

But Tuesday's decision to send up to 1,200 National Guard troops to the Southwest border isn't much of a response considering what's been going on there.

It remains a question mark as to just when these troops will be deployed to America's four border states with Mexico, where the continuing invasion of illegals is an ever-increasing threat to our national security. And the number of troops certainly is a mere raindrop in an expansive cesspool.

But more troubling is that these troops likely are public relations pawns being placed by Democrats to show how conveniently tough they can be -- and just in advance of November's midterm elections.

And these troops really aren't anything resembling the show of force so desperately needed at the border. They'll pretty much be assisting local law enforcement -- as observers, monitors and traffic-flow analysts. We can only wonder if the Obama administration will insist they not wear their uniforms so as to not upset the Mexican government.

This is a weak and flaccid response. We don't need "observers" at the border. We need tanks and gun emplacements.

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